Rhode Island Bridge Over Amtrak Tracks Closed to Motorists

The Park Avenue Bridge in Cranston, Rhode Island, is now closed to motorists due to safety concerns.

A bridge in Cranston that crosses Amtrak tracks has been closed to motorists after officials deemed it a safety risk.

The Rhode Island Department of Transportation announced Tuesday the closure of Park Avenue Bridge. It will remain open to pedestrians and cyclists only.

RIDOT says an outside engineering consultant who inspected the bridge Monday found significant deterioration in the bridge's timber deck. RIDOT says one of its engineers inspected the bridge and confirmed the deterioration.

The Federal Highway Administration Rhode Island Division agrees with the decision to close the bridge. Division Administrator Carlos Machado says the bridge is a safety risk to the motoring public.

RIDOT says the initial inspection was part of an accelerated bridge inspection effort the department initiated last month. The agency says Rhode Island has more than 200 structurally deficient bridges. 

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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